Frame means for connecting structural members together

ABSTRACT

Frame means comprising a collar-like assembly for connecting or attaching sheet members or walls, such frame means used especially in various types of structures formed by connected members having a space therebetween which may be filled with a filler material for some purpose, e.g., insulated containers like freezer containers, said filler material cooperating with the connective members to strengthen the structures. The subject means, for example, may be used to form structural connections which can be maintained without jigging or other holding means for use, if desired, during the filling of the space between the connected members.

[4 1 Oct. 28, 1975 United States Patent [1 1 Hawes et al.

[ FRAME MEANS FOR CONNECTING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS TOGETHER 3,633,783 Aue 220/9 G 3,744,826 52/738 X [75] Inventors: Frederick L. Hawes, Ladue; Paul H.

Mitchell, Manchester; Ronald L.

Primary Examiner-William I. Price Chitwood, Chesterfield, all of Mo.

Assignee: Tetra Plastics, Inc., Chesterfield,

Assistant Examiner-Stephen Marcus Attorney, Agent, or F irmCharles B. Haverstock [57] ABSTRACT Frame means comprising a collar-like assembly for connecting or attaching sheet members or walls, such 22 Filed: Feb. 11, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 441,126

[52] us CL 220/9 G; 52/459. 312/214. frame means used especially in various types of structures formed by connected members having a space 5 :2 2; therebetween which may be filled with a filler material 220/9 R 9 G, 10; for some purpose, e.g., insulated containers like freezer containers, said filler material cooperating 40 402; 312/214 with the connective members to strengthen the struc- [51] Int. [58] Field of Search......................

tures. The subject means, for example, may be used to form structural connections which can be maintained [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS without jigging or other holding means for use, if desired, during the filling of the space between the connected members.

220/9 G 52/758 H X 220 9 0 17 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures m t L J" a 0 mm ac HK 2,715,976 8/1955 Whitmore........................... 3,349,536 10/1967 3,380,615 4/1968 US Patent Oct.28, 1975 Sheet10f3 3,915,328

FlG.3

52 FIG.4

U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet2of3 3,915,328

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US, Patent Oct. 28,- 1975 Sheet3 0f3 3,915,328

FRAME MEANS FOR CONNECTING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS TOGETHER In the past, it has been a common practice to fabricate structural members such as structural enclosures, which mayor may not be filled with some kind of filler material, holding the various members of the structure in assembled'condition by some clamping means such as a jigging means. These practices, however, have had certain shortcomings including the expense of the separate holding means. For example, in the construction of refrigerator and freezer cabinets wherein the cabinet body includes inner and outer tank walls, it has been a common practice to' assemble the inner and outer tanks against a forming frame which is positioned around thefree edges of the tanks thereby maintaining the. tanks in selected spaced condition. With the inner tank nested in the outertank andwith the free edges of the tanks positioned and held against the forming frame .by an appropriate holding or clamping means, the space between the tanks is filled with an insulating filler material.,.suc h as polyurethane foam. After the space has been filled with foam and the foam has setup, the ,filled structure is separated from the forming frame and a breaker strip applied to connect the inner .and outer tank wallsiat their free edges. The above described practice requires the use of expensive and cumbersome holding devices to maintain the inner and outer tank walls in spaced position against and sealably closed by the forming frame during the filling operation and requires the separate steps of separating the filled structure from the forming frame and thereafter attaching .the breakerstrip to complete the assembly. Furthermore, the forming frame must be cleaned after each filling operation and, hence, this requires extra clean-up work.-

In addition to the'method described above, it has also been the practice in somecases, to-fabricate structural enclosures filled with some filler material by a one-step operation wherein the various members of .the structure, including the breaker strip, are held in assembled position-during the filling operation by means of a holding device. This practice while enjoying some advantages over the method described above also has suffered from various shortcomings. For example, this practice also requires the use of holding devices to inaintain'the structure in assembled position during the filling operation. Furthermore, the breaker strip has beenformed customarily from polyvinyl chloride and has tended to ripple orv buckle during the foaming or filling operation inasmuch as it is a relatively flexible material. Also, there is some tendency for the tiller material to seep between the breaker strip and the side walls thus' requiring clean-up of the finished structure. For these and other reasons, the known constructions usedfo'r the 'purpose'of fabricating structural enclosures have been quite unsatisfactory. The present improved frame means, which has some features similar to the invention disclosed in Hawes U,.S. Pat. No.

3,744,826," is specifically designed to overcome the above and other disadvantagesand shortcomings of the to assemble structural enclosures in a condition so that they may be filled with a filler material without requiring external holding means during said filling operation. i

It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide improved means for connecting members together including particularly members used in the construction of structural enclosures.

Another object, is to provide improved means for connecting spaced wall members, which means sealably and grippingly engage the wall members and provide a substantially leakproof connection therebetween. I

Another object is to provide improved means, such as breaker strip means, for connecting and maintaining sheet members or walls in spaced parallel relationship.

Another object is to provide improved means for assembling structural enclosures which means do not require any separate fasteners to maintain the connected members in their assembled condition and which resist coming apart.

Another object is to provide improved means for fabricating structural enclosures which can be quickly and easily assembled without requiring any special tools and which retain their assembled condition without separate fastening or holding means.

Another object is to simplify the procedures and reduce the work required for assembling multimember structures and particularly structures which enclose spaces.

Another object is to provide improved means for maintaining the space between connected members in structural enclosures.

Another object is to provide an improved frame-like collar assembly which withstands compressive and expansive forces resulting from temperatures encountered during use.

Another object; is to provide improved frame means which resist separation and/or tearing at the corners.

Another object is to provide improved frame means which provide a greater manufacturing tolerance.

Another object is to provide improved frame means having integral corners thus providing a frame which is esthetically pleasing andeasy to clean.

Another object is to provide improved means for maintaining the space between connected sheet members or walls and which prevent leakage of filler material used to fill the spaceformed by and between the sheet members connected by the improved frame means. i

Another object is to provide improved means for connecting sheet members or walls wherein the free edges of the walls engaged by the improved frame means include a channel means for containing refrigerating coils.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers designate like parts and wherein: 1

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a freezer container wherein the inner and outer. freezer walls are connected by the subject frame means;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the frame means taken on line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 in FIG. 2 showing the frame means connecting the inner and outer liner walls, the

outer wall (shown on the right) including a U-shaped tion fluid or the like, and showing the space between the inner and outer liner walls filled with a suitable filler;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the frame means showing the integrally formed corners reinforced by tab means;

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary bottom plan view of the frame means showing the details of the integral, mitered corner joint including the tab reinforcing means;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an extruded strip of rigid plastic having a cross-section as shown in FIG. 3 and having three triangular cuts taken therefrom; shown in brokenlines is one portion of the frame bent to form an integral 'mitered corner; 4

FIG; 7 is 'an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the frame means similar to that shown in FIG. 3 for connecting sheet members or walls in spaced parallel relationship;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the frame means; 1

' Flg. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view showing'still another embodiment of the subjectframe means and showing in broken lines the frame means connecting two wall members in spaced coplaner alignrnent;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the subject frame means and showing in broken lines the frame means connecting'two wall members in spaced perpendicular relationship;

FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary bottom plan view similar to FIG. 5 showing another embodiment of the frame means;

' FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 12.l2 in FIG. 11 and shows the details of the frame means connecting the inner and outer tank walls;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view showing the tab means shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12 but separated from the frame means; and,

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the tab means shown in FIG. 13 and shows energy directing ridges-along the bottom thereof which are useful in sonic welding the tab to the frame.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers, number identifies a chest type freezer container having a lid 22 and a storage compartment 24. The storage compartment 24 has inner liner or tank walls 26 and outer tank walls 28 which are interconnected by a frame-like collar assembly or breaker strip 30. The storage compartment 24 is set 'upon a base 32 which contains associated cooling means including a compressor (not shown).

The collar or breaker strip 30, as shown in FIG. 3, preferably comprises a generally flat elongated strip 46 which may have steps such as inner step 48a and outer step 48b. Side edge flanges 50 and 52 depend from the flat elongated strip portion 46 along the side edges at about a right angle to said flat strip portion or base 46. Hook-like flanges 62 and 64 depend from the strip portion 46 and are arranged in spaced parallel relationship along side flanges 50 and 52, respectively.

The hook-like flanges 62 and 64 are substantially U- shaped in cross-section and are oppositely positioned so that free edges and 68 of each hook, respectively, face theassociated side flange. As shown in FIG. 3, the hook-like flange 62 is spaced a distance from the associated side flange -50 to'accommodate the outer wall member 28 which is shown as having a flattened U- shaped bend or channel gripped by the flange 62. The purpose of -the channel 70 is described more particularly hereinafter.

As further shown in FIG. .3, the hook-like flange 64 is preferably shaped and positioned a distance from the associated side flange 52 so that the free edge 68 of the hook-like flange 64 and the side flange 52 define a generally V-shaped trough 69 which is adapted to receive and grip the free edge portion of the sheet or wall 26 when pushed therebetween as shown. When breaker strip 30 is made of a sufficiently stiff but resilient material, the hook-like flanges 62 and 64 cooperate with the side flanges 50 and 52 to grip walls 28 and 26, respectively, and form a sealed connection between the joined members for purposes to be described later.

The breaker strip or frame-like collar assembly 30 has integral corners a, 80b, 80c and 80d which are best seen in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, and which are reinforced by tab or reinforcing means 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d, respectively, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The reinforcing tabs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d are shown as conforming to flat portion 84 of the base portion 46 between the inner step 48a and the outer step 48b. The purpose of the tab members 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d is to unite and reinforce the mitered comers 80a, 80b, 80c and 80d and to prevent separation and tearing thereof as a result of expansion and contraction forces due to temperature differences at which the plastic in the frame is formed and at which the frameis used.

Spaced openings are formed in the hook-like flanges 62 and 64, as shown in FIG. 4. These openings '90 in combination with gaps 92 and 93 between the hook-like flanges'62 and 64, respectively, at the corners, best seen in FIG; 5, provide communications with spaces 94 and 96 enclosed by the subject hook-like flanges 62 and 64, respectively. During filling of the subject structure, filler material 100 is able to easily fill these enclosed spaces 94 and 96 and to provide substantially greater structural integrity between the several members of the filled structure and between the members and the filler material itself. This substantially reduces or prevents the possibility of the frame-like collar assembly 30 from being pulled loose from the tank walls 26 and 28 and, thereby, improves the overall integrity of the structure. The presence of the tiller material 100 in the spaces 94 and 96 also provides desirable insulation properties. However, even without providing opening 90, some of the filler material 100, especially when it is a polyurethane foam and is introduced under pressure, will be able to enter the spaces 94 and 96 defined within the flanges 62 and 64 through the gaps 92 and 93. The size, shape and spacing of the openings 90 in those constructions having them are not critical, and they may also be formed on different sides of the flanges 62 and 64 or by notching the free edges 66 and 68, respectively, thereof. A spacing for the openings 90 when used at from about four to eight inches has been found to provide very satisfactory results, depending to some extent on the type of filler material 100 and the equipment used to do the filling.

In the construction shown in FIG. 11, on the other hand, the openings 90 have been omitted from V- shaped flanges 62. and hook-shaped flanges 64'. As indicated above, in some constructions it is preferred that the spaces 94' and 96 defined by and within the flanges62' and 64, respectively, not be filled with the tiller material. This is because, in some cases, it may be preferred that the frame-like collar assembly 30' be relatively easily separable from the inner and the outer tank walls 26 and 28. This may be advantageous, for example, to permit the replacement of the breaker strip 30 should it"become damaged or broken during use. Moreover, it may also be advantageous to be able to removethe strip .30 in the event that repair or replacement of :the refrigeration coils, located between the inner and outer tank walls as described hereinafter, should be required. In these and other cases, substantial filling of the spaces 94 and 96 is preferably avoided so that the breaker strip 30' may be more easily pulled loose from the walls 26 and 28.

As indicated above, the frame-like collar assembly or breaker strip .30 or 30 is preferably constructed of a relatively stiff but resilient plastic substance such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS); however, other relatively stiff resilient'plastic materials are also suitable and may be preferred in some cases. For example, under selected condition, including selected temperature conditions,.the collar assembly 30 or 30' can be formed from polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or like materials. For low temperature applications, however, ABS is preferred inasmuch as it is not embrittled at temperatures commonly encountered in freezer chest or the like.

The advantages of thepresent invention in the construction of a freezer chest like that shown in FIG. 1 are best understood and appreciated by considering the steps in assembling same as described hereinafter. First, the breaker strip 30 is formed from an elongated strip 40 as best seen in FIG. 6. The strip 40 is preferably formed by extrusion through a die (not shown) and is then passed between forming fingers (not shown) while being cooled with compressed air. After the plastic strip 44) is formed, selected portions of the hook-like flanges 62 and 64 are removed to provide spaced openings 90, if desired. Usually at the same time or subsequent 'or prior-thereto, selected portions of the hooklike flanges 62 and 64 and of the side edge flange 52 are removedxThe plastic strip 40 is then cut into selected lengths and complementary end portions 44a and 44b are formed (FIG. 6). Three triangular cuts 42a, 42b and 420 are then punched from the strip 40 at selected points generally aligned with those portions of the strip fromwhich'the hook-like flange members 62 and 64 and the side flanges 52 have been selectively removed to facilitate easier punching. The cuts 42a, 42b and 420 extend up to but not through the side flange 50.

After the cuts 42a, 42b and 420 have been made in the extruded strip 40, the strip is bent, for example, at the cut 42a as shown in broken lines in FIG. 6 to form the integral mitered corner 80a. Similar bends are made at the cuts 42b and 420 and, thereafter, the strip is fitted into a holding device or jig (not shown) which holds the frame-like collar assembly or the corner involved in its proper fixed position. The plastic tab members 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d are then positioned on the underside of each comer between the hook-like flange members 62 and 64 in the position shown in FIGSQd'and 5, and are attached by suitable means such as by gluing, by sonic welding or'the like; however,

sonic welding is preferred where it is desired to integrally unite the tabs to the collar 30. With the tab members in place and attached, the seams at each corner and any spaces between the tab members and the collar are sealed by means of an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive or the like to keep the filler material 100, which is later introduced into the final assembly, from seeping through the seams at the corners during filling. Finally, the meeting end edges of the outer flanges 50 at the non-integral corner 80d are made integrally united by sealing such as by sonic welding, by means of a solvent adhesive such as ABS in methylethylketone or by some other like or similar process, thus providing a frame assembly 30 with four integral preferably smooth corners 80a, 80b, 80c and 804. The under surface of the frame assembly 30 may then be coated, if desired the barrier layer may not be required if the filler material does not etch or otherwise adversely affect the frame upon coming in direct contact therewith.

In the construction of the freezer chest 20 using the I frame assembly 30 whose construction is as described in detail above, the inner tank walls 26. and the. outer tank walls 28 are preferably preformed from: prepainted sheet metal or the like. As indicated above, the outer tank walls 28'have a channel alongtthefree edge. The purpose of this channel or flattened U-bend 70 is to accommodate refrigeration tubing. 72, best seen in FIG. 3, which isheld in place by said channel. The tubing 72 may be formed of copper or the like and preferably winds back and forth between the upper and lower edges of the sidewalls of the outer tankwalls 28 (not shown) in spaced loops. As aforesaid, the tubing 72 is held in place bychannel 70 at the upper edge and is usually held in place at the lower edge of the outer tank wall by a hot melt adhesive or like substance.

The frame-like collar assembly or breaker strip 30 is positioned on a frame (not shown) which has a cavity which conforms with the outer shape of the collar 30. With the collar 30 cooperatively received in the frame, the free edges of the preformed inner tank 26 are then pressed between the side flanges 52 and the hook-like flange 64 so that the tank 26 is sealably gripped by' the collar 30. Y

Spacing means such as spools (not shown) are then placed on the outside of the inner liners or tank walls 26 for the purpose of maintaining a space between the inner tank walls 26 and the outer tank walls 28 which during the assembly are passed over the inner tank. The free edges of the outer tank 28 are then pressed between the side flanges 50 and the hook-like flanges 62 so that the tank 28 is sealably gripped by the collar 30. This operation is aided by the surface steps 48a and 48b which provide axis points for slight expansion and contraction of the frame. Thus, the assembly operations may be accomplished even when the tanks 26 and/or 28 are of a size slightly varying from specifications. Hence, the collar or breaker strip 30 allows for larger shape. When it is desired to fill the space between the inner and outer tanks 26 and 28, this may be easily accomplished as by providing a cap or knock-out plug (not shown) in one or more of the tank walls 26 or 28 for the purpose of admitting a nozzle, funnel or the like for the introduction of thefiller material 100 in a fluid,

flowable or similar condition. When the filler material 100 is polyurethane foam, the space between the inner and outer tank walls 26 and 28 is filled through a nozzle under pressure with a premeasured shot of foam. The seal formed between the frame-like collar assembly 30 and the tank walls 26 and 28 is substantially leakproof, and there is, therefore, substantially no unsightly and difficult to remove seepage of the filler material along the decorative sides of the collar assembly 30 and on the tank walls 26 and 28.

After the filler 100 has been inserted in the space between the inner and outer tanks 26 and 28, the material is allowed to set-up or solidify, if necessary. The cabinet or container 24 is then set upon the base 32 and connected thereto by bolting, welding and the like. The lid 22 is then added to complete the chest freezer 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The lid may have a collar similar to the flanged collar 30 although this .is usually not required.

The above described construction of the chest freezer is similarly applicable to .the modified breaker strip embodiment 30' and others of the embodiments described hereinafter and has many advantages over the prior art as discussed above. For example, in previous foam-in-place structures and operations, elaborate holding equipment has been necessary to hold the inner and outer tank liners against the breaker strip and even then the breaker strip was often rippled or buckled during the filling operation. Furthermore, undesirable leakage often occurred between the breaker strip and the tanks and this often results in permanent damage to the finished structure. In those cases where the breaker strip was applied after the filler was inserted, the prior art particles, unlike the above described construction, requires a forming bar or frame for holding the nested tanks in spaced alignment. This practice also required the time consuming steps of applying the breaker strip after the filler was inserted and also of cleaning the forming frame after each filling.

It is apparent that the particular forms of the subject collar means as disclosed above and in the drawings are equally applicable to other shaped collars. For example, collars may be formed in other geometric shapes including almost any polygon, and the subject collar means can be made in large or small sizes which may differ in thicknesses, lengths, number of frame sides and the like. It is also apparent that the frame means may comprise a structure with lesser or greater numbers of hook-like flanges. For example, as aforementioned, in FIG. 11 there is shown the frame-like collar assembly or breaker strip 30 which has a flat elongated portion 46' and depending side flanges 50' and 52. The base portion 46' like the structure 30 has inner and outer steps 48a and 48b. Associated with the flange 52, which is similar to the flange 52 in the frame-like collar assembly 30, is the aforementioned hook-like flange 64', which is similar to the flange 64 in shape and position with respect to the flange 52. Associated with the flange 50', which is similar to the flange 50, on the other hand, is the V-shaped flange 62. The flange 62' has a different shaped cross-section than the flange 64', the flange 62 being generally V-shaped with first and second portions 63' and 65 shaped and connected as shown. The portion 63' also has serrations or ridges 67 extending lengthwise therealong. As shown in FIG. 12, the ridges 67 are provided as latching or gripping means for engaging the free edges of the tank walls 28 which are moved thereagainst. More particularly, the serrations 67' are shown gripping a flanged edge portion 71 of the channel which is formed by the upper edge portion of the outer tank walls 28.

The construction shown in FIG. 11 may be preferred over other forms when the filler material is a polyurethane foam as well as in cases where it may be desired to be able to remove the collar for some purpose. This is partly because the flange 62' in cooperation with the side flange 50 may be more effective in sealably gripping the channel portion 70 and preventing or minimizing the flow of the filler, material into spaces 94' formed inpart thereby. Also, this is partly because the flange 62 (FIG. 3) may, to a greater extent than the flange 62' (FIG. 12), tend to exert forces on the outer tank walls 28 which partly force the outer tank walls out of sealable engagement between the flanges 62 and 50.

The frame-like collar assembly 30' is further provided with a reinforcing tab 82' which as best seen in FIG. 12 conforms to the underside of the frame 30' and conforms, more particularly, at the inner step 48a. The tab member 82' is optionally further provided with loeating legs 83' which are preferably provided for the purpose of accurately locating the tab 82' during assembly between the flanges 62' and 64'. The tab 82', as best seen in FIGS. 11 and 13, is preferably also provided with grooves 85' and 87 which are located in a face 89' of the tab 82' for the purpose of accommodating a crossed-end extension formed where the inner tank walls 26 are joined such as joined by a return flange (not shown) or the like. On opposite face 91 of the tab 82 as best seen in FIG. 14, there are a plurality of energy directing ridges 93' and 95', said ridges 93' and 95 being substantially at right angles with respect to each other. Although the ridges 93' and 95' could optionally be omitted from the lower surface 91' and the tab 82' butt welded by sonic means or glued to the frame 30, the ridges 93 and 95', when present, facilitate the process of sonic welding. This is because when the face 91' is brought into welding contact with the frame 30' between the flanges 62' and 64', the application of sonic energy which is introduced by pressing a sonic welding probe against the tab 82', causes the ridges 93' and 95' to concentrate the energy and to more quickly fuse into the adjoining surface of the collar. Thus, the weld is more quickly effected when the ridges 93 and 95' are present than would be the case if no ridges were present and the tab 82 were butt welded.

As shown in FIG. 14, the tab 82' is further provided with ridges 97 and 99 which are substantially normal to the locating legs83'. The purpose of the ridges 97 and 99 is'to bridge or partly bridge the gap between the ridges 93' and 95' near the margins of the lower tab i alignment. '1

face 91 Other gaps between various of the ridges 93 and various of the ridges 95' are preferably filled by application of a hot melt adhesive (not shown) after the tab 82' is fastened to the frame 30. The purpose of the ridges 97' and 99' and the hot melt adhesive used to block or occlude the other gaps is to prevent thepossible flow and escape of the filler material 100 under the tab 82 and out through the mitered joint. This is a particular problem when the filler material is a polyurethane foam and is introduced under pressure.

Thus, there has been shown and described a novel collar means for sealing and insulating between adjacent structural members such as between spaced panel members, which means fulfill all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject means, however, will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above disclosure. For example, other arrangements of hook-like flanges in combination with the side flanges are contemplated as 1 -,within the-scope of the present invention and several such possibilities "are shown. In' FIG. 7, for example, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a frame-like collar. assembly 730 having a flat elongated strip pormi- 746 with depending edge flanges 750 and 752. As-

. between spaced wall members in parallel relationship.

' In FIG. 8 there isshown a frame-like collar assembly 830 having a flat elongated portion 846 with depending side edge flanges 850 and 852. Associated with the side edge flanges 850 is a hook-like flange 862 which is similar in shape and position to the flange 62 shown in FIG. 3. "Coo peratively associated with the side edge flange ,852 is a hook-like flange 864 which, unlike flanges 64 and 64', depends from the side flange 852. The frame shown in FIG. 8, like the previously described frames, is'useful in joining wall members in spaced parallel In FIG. 9 there is shown a frame-like collar assembly 930 having a flat elongated portion 946 with a pair of depending hooklike flanges 962 and 964. This con- .struction is useful in the interconnection of two wall or sheet members in spaced coplanar alignment. FIG. 10, 1 on the other hand, shows a frame-like collar assembly 1030 having a flat elongated portion 1046 with flange 1050 and a pair of spaced depending hook-like flanges 1062 and 1064. This construction is useful in connect ing'wall members in spaced perpendicular relationship.

Still other changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject means will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such changes,

.modifications, variations and other uses and applica-' tions which do not depart from the spirit and scope of sponding in number and length to the number and length of the pairs of opposed panels of the wall members of the structure, each of said side elements including a wall portion for bridging the space between corresponding opposed panel pairs of said spaced wall members, an elongated side edge strip portion integrally connecting said elements along corresponding side edges thereof to form a continuous strip therealong, an integral elongated hook-like flange formed on each of said side elements, said hook-like flanges being channel shaped in cross-section and having a first side edge integral with the associated side element and a free side edge positioned adjacent to the elongated side edge strip portion in position to resiliently engage a corresponding one of the wall members of the wall structure when the attaching means are mounted thereon.

2. The attaching means defined in claim 1 wherein the side edge strip portion includes a single elongated side edge flange extending along corresponding side edges of all of the side elements, said side edge flange extending at an angle from said side element, the free edges of the hook-like flanges on each of said side elements extending to adjacent the portion of the-side edge flange extending therefrom.

3. The attaching m'eans defined in claim 1 wherein the hook-like flanges are attached to the associated side elements at locations thereon spaced from the associated portions of the elongated side edge strip portion.

4. The attaching means defined in claim 1 wherein the hook-like flanges on each side element are attached to the elongated side edge portion therealong.

5. The attaching means defined in claim 1 wherein each of said side elements has a similar second side edge flange positioned extending along the side edge thereof opposite from the elongated side edge strip portion, and a similar second hook-like flange on each of said side elements for cooperating with the associated second side edge flange, the hook-shaped flanges and the associated first side strip portion along one side of ,each of said side element cooperatively engaging edge portions of respective ones of the panels of one of the tive panels of the other of the connected wall members the invention are deemed to be covered by the invenof the wall structure on" opposite sides of the enclosed space to maintain the connected wall members of the wall structure in spaced relationship and to close the space therebetween.

6. The attaching means defined in claim 5 wherein each of the connected side elements includes a relatively flat body portion, the body portions of all of said side elements being substantially coplanar, and wherein the side edge strip portion and the second side edge flanges along the opposite side edges thereof are substantially perpendicular to the said body portions.

7. The attaching means defined in claim 6 including at least one elongated step portion formed in the body portion of each of the side elements.

8. Closure means formed from an extruded plastic substance which is characterized. by being relatively stiff but resilient, said closure means being formed by a plurality of similar integrally connected side portions, each of said side portions including a relatively flat elongated strip portion with an integral side edge flange positioned extending at an angle therefrom along corresponding opposite side edges thereof, means forming a corner between pairs of adjacent side portions including means forming opposite end edges on said side portions which are acutely angularly related to the length of said side portions, said end edges extending across said side portions and across the side edge flanges thereon along one only of the opposite side edges thereof, the end edges of adjacent side portions being in abutment, plastic tab means bridging said abutting end edges at each corner, said tab means being integrally connected to the side portions, and integral elongated first and second flanges of U-shaped crosssections on each of said side portions, each of said first and second flanges having spaced side edges one of which is integral with the associated side portions and the other of which is a free side edge that extends along and adjacent to a corresponding one of the side edge flanges on opposite sides of the elongated strip portion, said U-shaped flanges and the associated side edge flanges cooperating to resiliently engage and hold a member positioned therebetween.

9. The closure means defined in claim 8 including at least one opening through each of said first and second U-shaped flanges, said openings being located in the respective flanges to facilitate filling of the elongated space defined therewithin when a filler material is introduced adjacent thereto.

10. The closure means defined in claim 8 wherein each of the elongated strip portions has at least one elongated step portion formed at a location thereon intermediate between the first and second hook-like flanges.

11. Means for closing a space in a structure formed by and between a pair of different sized similar shaped multi-wall closed members positioned in spaced relation one within the other, said structure being further defined by pairs of spaced parallel wall portions on the pair of closed wall members with parallel edge portions of the spaced pairs positioned in a plane on one side of a continuous space formed therebetween comprising a continuous one piece plastic closure member of substantially uniform cross-sectional size and shape including a plurality of connected relatively flat and coplanar central portions which are wide enough to bridge the space between the spaced parallel wall members, a continuous side flange formed integrally with all of the central portions along a corresponding side edge thereof and extending at an angle to the coplanar central portions, means forming an integral second flange on each of said central portions at locations thereon adjacent to the continuous side edge flange, one of said second flanges being provided in association with each pair of parallel walls of the structure to be closed, said continuous flange and said second flanges cooperatively and sealably engaging the edge portions of one of the multi-wall closed members when the closure is installed thereon, means forming a plurality of corners between the pairs of adjacent central portions, the number and locations of said corners and the length of the central portions extending therebetween corresponding to the number and spacing of the pairs of parallel wall portions of said structure to be closed, each of said central portions having end edges angularly related to the lengths thereof, said corners being formed by the abutment of the end edges, other means connecting the adjacent pairs of central portions including an integral plastic tab at each corner bridging the abutments and lapping the central portions adjacent thereto, and other means positioned on each of said central portions opposite said continuous side flange for engaging the side edges of the walls of the closed wall member opposite from the side edges engaged by the continuous side flange and the adjacent second flanges when the closure is positioned on the structure closing the continuous space formed thereby.

12. The closure means of claim 11 wherein said other means for engaging the walls of the closed wall members include a second side edge flange on each of said central portions opposite from the continuous edge flange and other flange means positioned adjacent thereto, said second side edge flange and said other flange means being positioned to resiliently engage the associated edge portions of the walls of one of the multi-wall members when the closure is installed thereon.

13. The closure means defined in claim 11 wherein the plastic tabs are sonically welded to the said central portions, each of said tabs having means thereon to locate it during sonic welding, and spaced ridge means formed on the tab at locations thereon adjacent to the central portions to facilitate sonic welding the tab thereto.

14. The closure means defined in claim 11 wherein the continuous one piece closure member is formed by being extruded, and the continuous side flange has end edges which are sonic welded together to make the closure means continuous.

15. A plastic corner construction for a closure member comprising a pair of elongated angularly related plastic elements of similar cross-sectional size and shape, each having a relatively flat body portion and a side edge flange formed at an angle relative to the body portion and extending along corresponding side edges thereof, the side edge flanges on both of said pair of elements being integral parts of a continuous strip which extends along said elements, the body portions of each of said pair of elements having an end edge which ex tends transversely thereacross at corresponding adjacent ends thereof, the said end edges on said adjacent elements being acutely angularly related to the length of the respective elements and being positioned in abutment with each other to establish an angular corner relationship between the elements with the integral side edge flange connecting said elements along the associated outside edge of the corner and extending around the corner and the length of the connected elements, other means connecting the elements adjacent to the abutting end edges thereof to retain the angular corner forming relationship of said elements, said other means including a plastic tab member positioned lapping the abutting end edges and integrally connected to the said elements on opposite sides of the abutting end edges, a similar second elongated flange extending longitudinally along the body portion of each of said elements, each of said second flanges having substantially a U-shaped cross-section including spaced opposite side edge portions, one of said side edge portions on each of said second flanges being integrally connected to the body portion of the associated element, and the opposite side edge portion of each of the second flanges extending to adjacent to the said associated portion of the continuous side edge flange.

16. The corner construction defined in claim 15 formed of a relatively stiff extruded plastic substance.

17. A plastic corner construction for a closure member comprising a pair of elongated angularly related plastic elements of similar cross-sectional size and shape, each having a relatively flat body portion and a side edge flange formed at an angle relative to the body portion and extending along corresponding side edges thereof, the side edge flanges on both of said pair of elements being integral parts of a continuous strip which extends along said elements, the body portions of each of said pair of elements having an end edge which extends transversely thereacross at corresponding adjacent ends thereof, the said end edges on said adjacent elements being acutely angularly related to the length of the respective elements and being positioned in abutment with each other to establish an angular corner relationship between the elements with the integral side edge flange connecting said elements along the associated outside edge of the corner and extending around the corner and the length of the connected elements, other means connecting the elements adjacent to the abutting end edges thereof to retain the angular corner forming relationship of said elements, said other means including a plastic tab member positioned lapping the abutting end edges and integrally connected to the said elements on opposite sides of the abutting end edges, each of the elements has a second side edge flange angularly related to the body portion on the opposite side thereof from the continuous side edge flange, and another flange on each of said elements associated with each second side edge flange, said second side edge flanges and the associated other flanges cooperating to resiliently engage means positioned therebetween. 

1. Means for attaching to a closed wall structure defined by a pair of similar connected multi-panel wall members arranged one within the other to enclose a space therewithin and between, respective panels of said wall members being in spaced relation on opposite sides of the enclosed space, comprising a one piece closed plastic construction having spaced integral corners and side elements extending therebetween corresponding in number and length to the number and length of the pairs of opposed panels of the wall members of the structure, each of said side elements including a wall portion for bridging the space between corresponding opposed panel pairs of said spaced wall members, an elongated side edge strip portion integrally connecting said elements along corresponding side edges thereof to form a continuous strip therealong, an integral elongated hook-like flange formed on each of said side elements, said hook-like flanges being channel shaped in cross-section and having a first side edge integral with the associated side element and a free side edge positioned adjacent to the elongated side edge strip portion in position to resiliently engage a corresponding one of the wall members of the wall structure when the attaching means are mounted thereon.
 2. The attaching means defined in claim 1 wherein the side edge strip portion includes a single elongated side edge flange extending along corresponding side edges of all of the side elements, said side edge flange extending at an angle from said side element, the free edges of the hook-like flanges on each of said side elements extending to adjacent the portion of the side edge flange extending therefrom.
 3. The attaching means defined in claim 1 wherein the hook-like flanges are attached to the associated side elements at locations thereon spaced from the associated portions of the elongated side edge strip portion.
 4. The attaching means defined in claim 1 wherein the hook-like flanges on each side element are attached to the elongated side edge portion therealong.
 5. The attaching means defined in claim 1 wherein each of said side elements has a similar second side edge flange positioned extending along the side edge thereof opposite from the elongated side edge strip portion, and a similar second hook-like flange on each of said side elements for cooperating with the associated second side edge flange, the hook-shaped flanges and the associated first side strip portion along one side of each of said side elements cooperatively engaging edge portions of respective ones of the panels of one of the connected wall members of the wall structure while the hook-shaped flanges and associated second side edge flanges cooperatively engage edge portions of respective panels of the other of the connected wall members of the wall structure on opposite sides of the enclosed space to maintain the connected wall members of the wall structure in spaced relationship and to close the space therebetween.
 6. The attaching means defined in claim 5 wherein each of the connected side elements includes a relAtively flat body portion, the body portions of all of said side elements being substantially coplanar, and wherein the side edge strip portion and the second side edge flanges along the opposite side edges thereof are substantially perpendicular to the said body portions.
 7. The attaching means defined in claim 6 including at least one elongated step portion formed in the body portion of each of the side elements.
 8. Closure means formed from an extruded plastic substance which is characterized by being relatively stiff but resilient, said closure means being formed by a plurality of similar integrally connected side portions, each of said side portions including a relatively flat elongated strip portion with an integral side edge flange positioned extending at an angle therefrom along corresponding opposite side edges thereof, means forming a corner between pairs of adjacent side portions including means forming opposite end edges on said side portions which are acutely angularly related to the length of said side portions, said end edges extending across said side portions and across the side edge flanges thereon along one only of the opposite side edges thereof, the end edges of adjacent side portions being in abutment, plastic tab means bridging said abutting end edges at each corner, said tab means being integrally connected to the side portions, and integral elongated first and second flanges of U-shaped cross-sections on each of said side portions, each of said first and second flanges having spaced side edges one of which is integral with the associated side portions and the other of which is a free side edge that extends along and adjacent to a corresponding one of the side edge flanges on opposite sides of the elongated strip portion, said U-shaped flanges and the associated side edge flanges cooperating to resiliently engage and hold a member positioned therebetween.
 9. The closure means defined in claim 8 including at least one opening through each of said first and second U-shaped flanges, said openings being located in the respective flanges to facilitate filling of the elongated space defined therewithin when a filler material is introduced adjacent thereto.
 10. The closure means defined in claim 8 wherein each of the elongated strip portions has at least one elongated step portion formed at a location thereon intermediate between the first and second hook-like flanges.
 11. Means for closing a space in a structure formed by and between a pair of different sized similar shaped multi-wall closed members positioned in spaced relation one within the other, said structure being further defined by pairs of spaced parallel wall portions on the pair of closed wall members with parallel edge portions of the spaced pairs positioned in a plane on one side of a continuous space formed therebetween comprising a continuous one piece plastic closure member of substantially uniform cross-sectional size and shape including a plurality of connected relatively flat and coplanar central portions which are wide enough to bridge the space between the spaced parallel wall members, a continuous side flange formed integrally with all of the central portions along a corresponding side edge thereof and extending at an angle to the coplanar central portions, means forming an integral second flange on each of said central portions at locations thereon adjacent to the continuous side edge flange, one of said second flanges being provided in association with each pair of parallel walls of the structure to be closed, said continuous flange and said second flanges cooperatively and sealably engaging the edge portions of one of the multi-wall closed members when the closure is installed thereon, means forming a plurality of corners between the pairs of adjacent central portions, the number and locations of said corners and the length of the central portions extending therebetween corresponding to the number and spacing of the pairs of parallel wall portions of said structUre to be closed, each of said central portions having end edges angularly related to the lengths thereof, said corners being formed by the abutment of the end edges, other means connecting the adjacent pairs of central portions including an integral plastic tab at each corner bridging the abutments and lapping the central portions adjacent thereto, and other means positioned on each of said central portions opposite said continuous side flange for engaging the side edges of the walls of the closed wall member opposite from the side edges engaged by the continuous side flange and the adjacent second flanges when the closure is positioned on the structure closing the continuous space formed thereby.
 12. The closure means of claim 11 wherein said other means for engaging the walls of the closed wall members include a second side edge flange on each of said central portions opposite from the continuous edge flange and other flange means positioned adjacent thereto, said second side edge flange and said other flange means being positioned to resiliently engage the associated edge portions of the walls of one of the multi-wall members when the closure is installed thereon.
 13. The closure means defined in claim 11 wherein the plastic tabs are sonically welded to the said central portions, each of said tabs having means thereon to locate it during sonic welding, and spaced ridge means formed on the tab at locations thereon adjacent to the central portions to facilitate sonic welding the tab thereto.
 14. The closure means defined in claim 11 wherein the continuous one piece closure member is formed by being extruded, and the continuous side flange has end edges which are sonic welded together to make the closure means continuous.
 15. A plastic corner construction for a closure member comprising a pair of elongated angularly related plastic elements of similar cross-sectional size and shape, each having a relatively flat body portion and a side edge flange formed at an angle relative to the body portion and extending along corresponding side edges thereof, the side edge flanges on both of said pair of elements being integral parts of a continuous strip which extends along said elements, the body portions of each of said pair of elements having an end edge which extends transversely thereacross at corresponding adjacent ends thereof, the said end edges on said adjacent elements being acutely angularly related to the length of the respective elements and being positioned in abutment with each other to establish an angular corner relationship between the elements with the integral side edge flange connecting said elements along the associated outside edge of the corner and extending around the corner and the length of the connected elements, other means connecting the elements adjacent to the abutting end edges thereof to retain the angular corner forming relationship of said elements, said other means including a plastic tab member positioned lapping the abutting end edges and integrally connected to the said elements on opposite sides of the abutting end edges, a similar second elongated flange extending longitudinally along the body portion of each of said elements, each of said second flanges having substantially a U-shaped cross-section including spaced opposite side edge portions, one of said side edge portions on each of said second flanges being integrally connected to the body portion of the associated element, and the opposite side edge portion of each of the second flanges extending to adjacent to the said associated portion of the continuous side edge flange.
 16. The corner construction defined in claim 15 formed of a relatively stiff extruded plastic substance.
 17. A plastic corner construction for a closure member comprising a pair of elongated angularly related plastic elements of similar cross-sectional size and shape, each having a relatively flat body portion and a side edge flange formed at an angle relative to the body portion and extendinG along corresponding side edges thereof, the side edge flanges on both of said pair of elements being integral parts of a continuous strip which extends along said elements, the body portions of each of said pair of elements having an end edge which extends transversely thereacross at corresponding adjacent ends thereof, the said end edges on said adjacent elements being acutely angularly related to the length of the respective elements and being positioned in abutment with each other to establish an angular corner relationship between the elements with the integral side edge flange connecting said elements along the associated outside edge of the corner and extending around the corner and the length of the connected elements, other means connecting the elements adjacent to the abutting end edges thereof to retain the angular corner forming relationship of said elements, said other means including a plastic tab member positioned lapping the abutting end edges and integrally connected to the said elements on opposite sides of the abutting end edges, each of the elements has a second side edge flange angularly related to the body portion on the opposite side thereof from the continuous side edge flange, and another flange on each of said elements associated with each second side edge flange, said second side edge flanges and the associated other flanges cooperating to resiliently engage means positioned therebetween. 